Trying to remove the termostat from the radiator, two of the threaded posts on the flange broke off. The radiator is in good shape but a new flange would have to be welded in place. Is that an available part and can it be welded by a radiator shop (or is my radiator, toast)?

Submitted by vineyardman68@… on Fri, 03/28/2014 - 22:28

Tony,
So as to not lead you along the wrong path and end up having you refer to me with unkind adjectives ;-)) , I don't have an answer to any of your questions.
I do have opinions after looking at the picture.
#1: Don't take it to the guy who made the repair at the lower end. Although it looks like it has done the job for a long time.
Opinion #2: I would search your area for a radiator repair shop (they are becoming a thing of the past since the introduction of plastic) that has been in business for a good time.
They should be be able to sweat the mounting out of the radiator, and if -as you state--about putting the bolts back on from the inside is warranted, they should be able to do that then put the mount back on the radiator.
Remember, the top of the radiator you have is made from either Brass, or bronze--don't know what the Brits used back then, but would suspect Brass, so be careful who you allow to do the work.
The work, if it becomes very involved, could be quite expensive, plus the age of your part might also require boilling out and roding. All in all, it might be advisable to check into the new aluminum radiators I've read about, that guys are going to and talking about here on the forum. You might also check for good used ones fro Coventry West or the other dealers who deal in good used parts.
Either way, keep use advised. If you live in a large city, don't forget the smaller towns and less advanced guys trying to keep up with the Jones' who still do many things the way they were done when your car was rather new, or the times in many ways are still around.
Garfield

Submitted by Bfastr@cox.net on Fri, 03/28/2014 - 21:42

Tony,
I did exactly what you are doing. I threaded mine with a 10/32 tap and used two stainless hex head bolts to hold it in.
Its been a year and a couple thousand miles with no problems.
The third stud was still intact just like yours. It may not be perfect, but even in hot weather I've had no leaks.

You're gonna be fine!

Bob F

Submitted by reachafw@hotmail.com on Fri, 03/28/2014 - 21:20

Chuck,

I ground off the broken posts and bored out the old threads. I saw in another post that the owner re-threaded the holes to a common size and mounted the thermostat using 2 new screws inserted from the front (along with the old post and nut).

Realizing there is not a lot of "thickness" in the radiator at this place to re-thread, the three questions I have are:
If approach #1 is good,
1. Is threading the holes a good idea, and if so,
2, is it better to use a fine of course tap?

Lastly, if I took it somewhere to have the studs renewed, it seems that the studs were welded to a plate that was then attached to the main facing of the radiator. This would mean I'd have to have someone unweld the plate, insert the studs, then weld the plate back in place.

if approach #1 is risky, how about #2?

Regards,

Tony